Integrating Local Knowledge in Disaster Risk Reduction Policies: A Case Study for Indonesia

Tania Ouariachi-Peralta^a and S. H. M. Fakhruddin^b Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System for Africa and Asia (RIMES), Outreach Building- AIT Campus, 58 Moo 9 Paholyothin Rd., Klong Nueng, Klong Luang, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand. ^atania.ouariachi@gmail.com ^bfakhruddin@rimes.int

ABSTRACT

In recent years, we have witnessed an increased interest in integrating the local knowledge and wisdom held by local communities in disaster risk reduction planning and strategies. The Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) 2005-2015, the international blueprint for disaster risk reduction efforts adopted by United Nations Member' States, acknowledges the important role of local knowledge to reduce impacts of disasters at community level and encourages governments to consider it into policy planning. This paper provides a case study for Indonesia, particularly for the district of Bantul, to evaluate to what extent local knowledge has been reflected in disaster risk reduction policies and for which purpose. This paper also looks at the level of participation of local communities in the policy formulation process. Results reveal that, despite well formulated disaster risk reduction policies that integrate local knowledge, several factors can hamper an effective implementation of the policies. This research recommends increasing budget allocations for disaster risk reduction and financial support towards the Local Agency for Disaster Management (BPBD), making a better use of participatory structures already in place and reinforcing collaboration between local government and NGOs.

Keyword: Disaster risk reduction, HFA, Local knowledge, Participatory policy making, Decentralization, Indonesia.

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